Recommendations for a range finder up to 300$

[Menihe]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to hunting (Bow) and going to be doing it in Hawaii (mostly sheep and pig) but possibly on main land too.
I got some some cheep binos to start with now and will probably upgrade latter on.
I am looking for RF up to 300$ but overwhelmed by all the options out there and not sure were to start.....
I was recommended the Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 by a friend. Seems like it has pretty good reviews and found it for about 150$.

Would appreciate some guidance and recommendations for my first RF
Thanks

 

[Menihe]

Correction "found it for 250$"

 

[Jossta]

I haven't used a ton but BassPro has the Sig Kilo3k for 199 right now, I want to say I got mine even cheaper from them a few weeks ago. I haven't used it extensively, but happy so far. I couldn't find it under $300 anywhere else.

 

[bojangles808]

I like vortex RFs bc if they ever break (and they will eventually bc they are electronics) they'll replace no questions asked, so you theoretically would never have to buy one again. I like the used ranger 1500s or 1800s with their + reticle vs the newer ones with a circle, feels more precise with rifle hunting. my 1300 i've had for 5-6 years and only changed the battery once. just picked up a used 1800 as a backup for 125 too. I wouldn't buy any of them new though I'd get one used. you'll get your money back if you ever sell.

 

[Kurts86]

Honestly any rangefinder from a mainstream optics company today is completely fine for bow hunting. All of the variation comes from long range rifle ballistics and ranging well beyond 1000 yards.

Rangefinders are quickly evolving consumer tech and you are almost better looking at the latest released products in a given price point. Sig and Vortex would be the first to look at in that price range.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I really like the Leupold 1400 I got.

 

[Wheels]

I’ve got a brand new Vortex Viper HD 3000 I’ll sell you for $250 shipped.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I've been happy with my Sig Kilo3k. Like that I can use the app and shoot a spot and send it to my Onx.

 

[kmcsoley3]

I have the cheap crossfire and it has done me just fine. Dont need anything expensive if youre within 100 yards

 

[WyoWild]

Maven CRF.1 has been excellent for me. Very reliable on animals in almost all conditions out to 700+.

 

[lhbackcountry]

I’ve got a brand new Vortex Viper HD 3000 I’ll sell you for $250 shipped.

if OP doesnt take you up on this, I just might

 

[Mulynate23]

Astra rangefinder.
It has an archery mode plus it has applied Ballistics. Very easy to use. They have a few different models ranging from 150 to 350.
I like it a lot better than my sig rangefinder.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I have the cheap crossfire and it has done me just fine. Dont need anything expensive if youre within 100 yards

I tried one and returned it, its barely usable at 100yds in poor light and the chromatic aberration is atrocious. The little Athlon Ares is lightyears better honestly. At 100yds a set of decent 10x binos is sufficient and theres no need for a spotter.